;e most capable, best-prepared racecar on the
planet won’t be a winner unless the guy (or gal)
behind the wheel has the most skill on the drivers’
stand. But even the best drivers can be pushed
back to second (or farther behind) if their gear isn’t
up to snu;. Equipment matters. Which brands get
it done? IFMAR (International Federation of Model
Auto Racing) World Championship wins are one way
to measure race cred. Here are all the vehicle brands
that have scored World Champion titles since the
first Worlds back in 1977.

BMT / 4

Contrast / 1

Corally / 2

CRC / 1

Delta / 2

FG Modellsport / 3

Garbo / 1

HARM / 3

HB Racing / 4

JConcepts / 1

KM Racing / 1

Kyosho / 16

Mecatech / 1

Mugen / 7

Parma / 1

PB Racing / 4

Roche / 1

Schumacher / 1

Serpent / 10

Shepherd / 1

Tamiya / 5

Team Associated / 29

Team Durango / 1

TLR/Team Losi / 6

Trinity / 3

Yankee / 1

Yokomo / 15

XRAY / 3

Joel “Magic” Johnson

Current status: Works in the RC industry and is president of AKA RacingRacing accomplishments: 35-time (approx.) National Champion; 2-timeIFMAR World Champion (1987 2WD Buggy Off-Road, 1992 1/10-Scale235mm Pan Car On-Road)

Joel “Magic” Johnson was predominantly known for his wins on the on-road track
but won world championships in both on- and o;-road, making him a force to be
reckoned with anytime he picked up a transmitter. His list of big-event wins includes

1/12- and 1/10-scale electric pan cars, touring car, and 1/8-scale nitro on-road, and
he backed them up with world championships in 1987 and 1992. Joel’s list of wins
is long and prestigious, and his approach was polished and thorough. Like so many
from his era, he’s now moved on and found a balance with his career and passion for
all things RC in spite of taking a step down from his own high level of competition. Joel
still makes time to pick up a transmitter but is content to help others and work in the
industry, where he is president of AKA racing.